Morocco: and a tale of Moroccan Beni Ouarain carpets

I’m quite sure that in a previous life I was a carpet merchant. I spent my days sipping tea and lounging on the finest examples of my stock, getting up only to furl and unfurl beauties one after another, earning admiring looks from customers and passersby. I come by my love of carpets honestly -- my mother is Persian, and so carpets are clearly in my blood. I grew up in houses filled with all sorts of woolen pile rugs, intricately patterned silk carpets, and tightly woven antique kilims. The carpets were meticulously cared for, and indeed, they were my responsibility in my family. Twice a week I would carefully move furniture out of the way and vacuum them, going only “with the wool,” as my mother had taught me. Each day when we left our home, the curtains would be drawn to ensure that the carpets didn’t fade prematurely.  

You see, some people buy a home and fill it with carpets. Others buy carpets and wait to have a home to put them in. I fall into the latter category.  

So it's no wonder that in this life I've managed to become a carpet dealer, too. (No point in fighting destiny, afterall.)  And I have beautiful new stock of vintage Moroccan Beni Ourains (including some smaller and more affordable ones).  These are investment pieces that make the whole room grounded and more fabulous.  Did I mention that I have new stock of wedding blankets, too?  Well, I should have.... 

Moroccan wedding blanket 562, 86 inches long, 56 inches wide (Beautiful at the foot of a bed.)

Moroccan Beni Ourain 310, 55 inches long, 102 inches wide. (So want to keep this one!)

Moroccan wedding blanket 604.  73 inches long, 41 inches wide (Super shaggy fringe. *YES*)

Moroccan weddiing blanket 604  93  inches long, 45 inches wide. (Sigh, sublime.)

Moroccan Beni Ouarain 306, 48 inches wide, 84 inches long (Glowy and coveted smaller size!!!)

Moroccan Beni Ouarain 299,  73 inches long, 116 inches wide (Dreamy and shaggy underfoot.  Gorgeous.)

Moroccan Beni Ouarain 309, 72 inches wide, 133 inches long (Hipster preppy with its amazing sideways diamonds.)

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See all my stock right here.  And email me at Moroccanmaryam (at) yahoo (dot) com for pricing on any pieces that sing to you:-)

Marrakech: and a tale of a lovely weekend

May it be warm and sunny where you are {and yet may there be a cool breeze just when you need it}.

And most of all, may all your paths lead.........

straight to the pool.

Have a beautiful weekend:-)

Images from Peacock Pavilions in Marrakech.

Marrakesh: and a tale of decorating at Peacock Pavilions

Oh the weekend always seems to fly by so fast and then I find myself again at Monday.  This week I'm embracing Monday, and vowing to have a very productive and positive week.  {And of course, I want that for you, too.}

And on that note, hello from Peacock Pavilions!  A few pretty things to start the week from me to you.

Old amethyst glass decanter with a golden W, found in the Marrakesh souks & doubling as a vase.  Black and cream mosaic tile table, vintage pink silk caftan.

Hand carved Moroccan 8-sided tea table.  Commissioned sculpture by Caroline Douglas, wrapped with old prayer beads.  Leather coasters bought in Senegal and curtains made with antique Yemeni silverwork saris.

200 year old Persian Qajar painting, chain sconces from Zia Priven, dining room table made from antique Berber door, old large green bowl from Tamgroute, vintage patent leather chairs and bench from the Paris flea market, 3 glass mosque lanterns from Egypt.

Beaded Yoruba chair, lamp I made from an old beaded Afghan hat.

Egyptian hand blown bottles with crocheted shawls made by former Peacock Pavilions intern Dave Winward, part of my collection of black and white photographs.

 PS Does it all seem too ethnic and odd to you?

The world: and a tale of Harabu House's Exotic Chic

In times of confusion, I return to beauty.  It's calming and clarifying some how.  I've always invested in every day beauty, especially small and lovely items that I can enjoy regularly.  I don't believe in just "saving for company".  Because life is really made up of today, and tomorrow, and the day after that.  And after all, every single day deserves pretty.  

For Peacock Pavilions, I ordered these beauties from my now sponsor, Harabu House.  So so lovely in person, with their lacy detailing.  Delicate.  I use these placemats {$30} under handmade white glazed plates.  But they're gorgeous as trivets too to dress up the center of a table or under wine bottles with a few glasses so guests can help themselves.  

I am also coveting these golden  spoons {$11 each} to accompany coffee and desserts, as well as these white and gold bowls {$28} - so perfect to store  jewels on the nightstand or in the bathroom.  Glamorous.

And I love the fine detailing on this beautiful Indian bedding. $115.

See all of Harabu House's goodies right here.